Wednesday, May 9, 2007

I could never live in the tropics, as gorgeous as they are. I am so accustomed to the four uniquely beautiful seasons I enjoy now that my circadian rhythms would be permanently derailed.As much as I love the bounty of summer, by the time Labor Day rolls around, I am wilted by its heat and humidity, ready for the cooler breezes skimming my tanned arms, and the idea of airing out big, fuzzy sweaters from the cedar chest. It is impossible for me to imagine how anyone could live in Florida year round, where residents lock themselves into air-conditioned homes during sunlit hours to escape the punishing temperatures and stickiness.So when the time came for me to meet my future mother-in-law, who lives on the Gulf coast, we sensibly timed our trip for February when every one is running away from the cold towards the equator.

Florida’s wildlife fascinated me, but it also frightened me.It wasn’t until we visited Anderson Park not far from our hotel that I truly felt the fear.We were in alligator territory, after all, sitting at the bay's edge unprotected.The park was posted with several signs warning, on pain of fines, not to harass the reptiles.I wondered if there were signs facing dry land, warning the enormous, powerful beasts not to harass the people who were not too terribly interested in sacrificing a limb to the jaws of a creature looking for a spot of lunch.

I’m having a spot of lunch now myself, a creamy soup made of avocado, also known as alligator pear.It’s a delicious and easy soup, served either hot or cold.More importantly, it’s a safe soup.I am free from both fear and fine.

[This recipe must have been written by someone who wasn't quite on the ball. The quantities do not make sense, and replicating the two-tone look, which is what caught my eye to begin with, is impossible unless you are an ambidextrous, fully sober bartender who knows how to pour a pousse cafe. I made significant adjustments, all to its betterment and my sanity.]

In a large saucepan cook the shallots over low heat in the butter or oil until partially softened, about 10 minutes. Add stock, salt and pepper to shallots and cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes. Transfer to blender and puree. Add avocado and puree until smooth. Return mixture to saucepan, adding half and half or milk. Barely heat through, then remove 1/2 cup of the soup, adding the lemon juice to it. Return the soup with the lemon juice. Stir gently to mix. Ladle into soup bowls. Garnish with optional snipped chives.

7 comments:

Those huge, armoured reptiles scare me stupid as well. I was once on a lovely picnic, enjoying myself enormously, when a goanna (a large-dog-sized-lizard) slowly and silenty climbed onto the table, snapping at my lunch. Have never been quite the same!

I've noticed that half and half is used in a lot of recipes, but I'm not sure what it is - maybe a lighter version of cream? Soup, by the way, sounds great and perfect for your spring weather.

Lucy - And some people complain of ants spoiling their picnic! You just don't realize how big these beasts are until you see them live.

Half and Half (by US definition) is the lightest of creams, a mix of 1/2 whole fat milk and 1/2 cream, with a fat content of about 12%. It cannot be whipped, and is used primarily for coffee, light cream soups or mixed with powdered sugar and flavoring for a quick cake icing.

Thanks for the kudos on the avocado. It was one difficult subject to photograph.

Meeta - Thanks for hosting one of the web's premier food blog events. I look forward to the round-up.

Down here in the Caribbean, the year-round summer weather is very different from what is experienced up North including Florida. For one, the houses are constructed differently and so most of our homes are naturally cooled by the winds coming through windows and doors that are thrown open daily. Not a lot of air-conditioning in the houses. The air here is light and not stuffy and stifling at all. The beach is practically in our backyard.

I do understand you loving and appreciating the change of seasons though, there are times when it gets so hot here and you wish for a cold crisp winter wind :)

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